Vigor coaches return to practice

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Two high school assistant football coaches are back on the field for the first time since both were shot in a Tuscaloosa rampage.

Coach TeBairus Gill and Renardo Jackson returned to Vigor High School for the football team's first practice in full pads, Thursday.

“I can't miss the first day in pads,” said Coach Jackson. “That's like missing the birth of your child. You can't miss the first day in pads.”

The coaches have not resumed their full coaching responsibilities. But for many, it's the first time they’ve seen the pair since the shooting at the Copper Top bar in Tuscaloosa.

A total of 17 people were injured after deputies said a Nathan Van Wilkins opened fire on the crowded bar last month with an assault rifle.

Coach Jackson was shot four times during the rampage. Gill was shot once in the lower back.

“I'm just grateful to be alive. This could have been so much worse condition than I'm in now,” said Coach Gill. “..But I'm just thankful that I'm going to be able to walk.”

The coaches said it will be at least another month before they resume full coaching duties.

Meanwhile, they said they will play the ‘mental’ game as Vigor gets ready for football.

At the end of the day, the coaches said they are excited to get back to the game they love.

“To be out here and try to be tamed is a little different experience because I want to try to just let loose,” said Jackson.

“Before I got out the car, everyone came running up to me saying, ‘Coach Gill! Coach Gill!” he said. “I’m just glad to be out here walking around, smelling the air and stuff like that.”